Francis-Henri Graffard has announced that his star colt Daryz will be aimed at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting after the horse delivered a flawless start to his three‑year‑old campaign with a commanding victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a top‑class performer, having won his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season.
Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten in his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by taking the thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status as a genuine Group One contender. In the 10‑furlong Group One Prix Ganay, Daryz entered as the overwhelming favourite. He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for his effort.
The moment the rider gave the command, the four‑year‑old responded instantly, accelerating through the field and pulling away to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, who was ridden patiently throughout the race, finished as the best of the remaining runners in second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third.
Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race. She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in this seasonal debut; he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he possesses the talent to compete at the highest level, and this win confirms that belief.
He will likely improve further as the season progresses, and we expect him to continue developing throughout the year. He is a very special horse, which is why we have kept him in training to demonstrate that his Arc victory was not a one‑off occurrence." Routh added that the connections view the upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d'Ispahan – as a logical stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot in June. "We intend to drop the distance even further now, as the Aga Khan race is run over nine and a half furlongs, making it a touch sharper than today’s test," she explained.
"We have no concerns about this because Daryz thrives when the pace is strong. He is happiest when he can settle into a good rhythm, and anyone who has ridden him remarks that he can handle any tempo." The plan, according to Routh, is to use the Ganay as the first target, follow it with the Aga Khan race, and then aim for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot.
While the exact program for the second half of the year remains under discussion, the early‑season roadmap is clear. "The idea we had was the Ganay today, the Aga Khan IV, and then the Prince of Wales's at Ascot.
We haven’t finalized the latter part of the season yet, but that is the strategy for the first half," she said. The victory also caused a shift in the betting market.
Coral cut Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1, reflecting the confidence that the horse could defend his Arc title in the autumn. However, Graffard and his team have several other high‑profile objectives before the end‑of‑year showdown. The upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV, run over a slightly shorter distance, will serve as a perfect preparation for the June contest at Ascot, where the Prince of Wales's Stakes offers a lucrative prize and a chance to test Daryz against the best middle‑distance horses in Europe. Beyond the immediate racing plans, Daryz's pedigree and racing style make him a fascinating prospect for enthusiasts.
As a son of Sea The Stars, he inherits a blend of stamina and turn of foot that has produced numerous Group One winners. His performances this season suggest he is beginning to fulfill that genetic promise. The Arc win in October demonstrated his ability to handle a fast pace and a strong finish, while the Ganay showcased his versatility over ten furlongs and his capacity to dominate when asked. Looking ahead, the connections are optimistic that the horse will continue to improve.
The Aga Khan Studs have a history of carefully managing their elite bloodstock, ensuring that each horse is given the appropriate challenges to develop without being over‑taxed. By targeting a series of progressively tougher races – from the Ganay to the Aga Khan and ultimately to the Prince of Wales's – they aim to build Daryz's confidence, sharpen his racing instincts, and cement his reputation as a true champion.
Fans of the sport can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and features by following Sky Sports Racing and other racing outlets. The excitement surrounding Daryz's campaign is a reminder of how a single horse can capture the imagination of the racing world, especially when backed by a storied ownership group and a skilled trainer. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Longchamp, the Aga Khan meeting, and ultimately Ascot, where Daryz hopes to add another prestigious Group One victory to his growing résumé.